Daily Motor News – Monday 7 October

EU hits China with big taxes in electric car sales battle 

Big taxes will be imposed on imports of electric vehicles from China to the EU after the majority of member states backed the plans. Tariffs on electric cars made in China are set to rise from 10% to up to 45% for the next five years, but there have been concerns such a move could raise electric vehicle (EV) prices for buyers. Full story

AutoRaise requests sector feedback

Automotive sector charity, AutoRaise is inviting industry professionals to share their feedback about what they need to take on more apprentices and the support needed.

The feedback collected will play a crucial role in shaping AutoRaise’s business plan and strengthening its efforts to support the industry in meeting these challenges. Full story

DVLA data reveals that over 300 drivers have been caught drink driving at least four times 

Figures from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has shown that 372 drivers were caught at least four times over the drink driving limit. A freedom of information (FOI) request by the Press Association revealed that 27,837 individuals were convicted of the offense multiple times over the 11 years leading up to July 20 2024. Full story

Cuvva needs to overcome lack of brand awareness to become a mainstream provider 

Insurtech Cuvva is looking to become a mainstream insurer and challenge the well-established motor insurance players, however, a lack of brand awareness could prove its biggest obstacle. GlobalData’s 2020 UK Insurance Consumer Survey found that just 5% of respondents had heard of Cuvva. Full story

Car thieves ‘infiltrating vehicle manufactures to stay ahead of latest anti-theft tech’ 

Car thieves have been getting jobs at car manufactures so they can keep up with the latest developments in anti-theft tech. They are then using everything they’ve learned at the manufacturers to develop devices that can easily break into keyless vehicles. Full story

GM is working on an eyes-off, hands-off driving system 

Seven years ago, GM became the first automaker to offer hands-free driving when it rolled out its Super Cruise advanced driver assistance system. Now, it’s looking to push that capability even further with a system that would allow drivers to keep their eyes off the road too, according to one of GM’s top software executives. Full story

Motofix: Driving sustainability and efficiency through green parts integration

Ryan Brough, Group Parts Manager at Motofix, one of the UK’s leading vehicle repair companies, discusses how integrating green parts has improved cost-efficiency, customer satisfaction, and environmental responsibility. He explains how Motofix has successfully adopted green parts, overcoming supply chain challenges and industry shifts while setting new standards for sustainability in automotive repairs. Full story

Why Connecting Vehicles Could Be Useful in Collision Repair 

CIECA recently hosted a webinar, “Why the Collision Industry Should Be Interested in V2X,” to dip into the emerging world of Vehicle to Everything (V2X) technology and how it could affect road safety, traffic management and even collision repair. The presentation was led by Arif Rafiq, a transportation industry expert who advises governments on systems developed to manage roads, highways and public transportation infrastructure. Full story

Firms urge mayor to rethink congestion charge plan 

More than 40 businesses have signed an open letter to ask the mayor of London to extend the congestion charge exemption for electric vans. Their special status means they currently pay nothing – but from Christmas the charge would be £15 a day. Signatories include Ocado, the AA and the Federation of Small Businesses. Full story

SVIU recover £216k of stolen vehicles in a single day  

The Stolen Vehicle Intelligence Unit identified and seized stolen cars and parts valued at £216k in a single day as part of a national operation. Since the start of the year, the team of PC Paul Gerrish and PC Phil Pentelow have recovered 546 vehicles worth £11.6m. They also work with manufacturers including Jaguar Land Rover, Ford, and Toyota-Lexus to improve vehicle security. Full story

Steer appoints CTIO

Steer Automotive Group has appointed Attiq Qureshi as Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO), following his support over the past six months in a strategic advisory capacity.

Attiq will be responsible for overseeing all areas of technology transformation, including IT operations, cybersecurity, collision repair applications, business systems and project delivery. Full story

National Windscreens supports Female Technician Summit 

Female technicians from National Windscreens recently attended the Female Technician Summit 2024, a new initiative from Cary Group. The Female Technician Summit gathered female technicians from Sweden and the UK to share their experiences and discuss how we can attract more female technicians. Full story

Gemini donates 15 cars to EMTEC

Gemini Accident Repair Centres Ltd is supporting the next generation of skilled workers by donating 15 rally vehicles from past AutoRaise charity rallies to Emtec Colleges Ltd in Nottingham. The cars will give students hands-on training in vehicle stripping, mechanical work, panel beating, and paint training. Full story

Petrol and diesel registrations drop dramatically in large European markets

Lacking consistency, Europe saw two of its biggest new-car markets experience declines in September while another returned to growth. Autovista24 special content editor Phil Curry examines the latest registrations figures. Full story